The RFL admit they did not expect the Tigers to reach Wembley when they planned the Magic Weekend fixtures months ago, adding it would have caused too much disruption to move the Hull derby to another day or time.

An RFL spokesman said: “This is the first time in Hull City’s 110-year history that they have reached the FA Cup Final, and it was not something we could factor in when we planned the fixtures.

“Hull have been the best-selling club for [Magic Weekend] tickets and Hull KR fourth best. There has been no mass appetite for people wanting refunds or boycotting the event.

“Saturday will be the best-attended Saturday since Magic Weekend began with over 65,000 fans over the weekend.”

Around 8,000 Hull and Hull KR fans are expected at the Etihad for the third match of Magic Weekend, which sees all 14 Super League clubs play in seven staggered games at the same venue over two days.

In addition to the 25,000 Tigers fans heading to Wembley, it will be the biggest sporting exodus from the city since 1980’s Hull-derby Challenge Cup Final at Wembley.

That prompted one wag to hang a banner over the A63 asking the last person leaving to turn off the lights!

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